PDF Page Numbering: how to use it

Long reports, legal bundles, theses and application packs are much easier to use when every page is numbered. If your PDF was assembled from several files, it probably has no consistent numbering at all. This tool stamps a number on each page at the position and in the style you choose.

The numbers are added to a copy of the document, in your browser; the original is not modified.

How to use the PDF Page Numbering

1. Select your PDF.
2. Pick a Position: bottom centre, bottom right, bottom left, or the same three along the top.
3. Pick a Format: 1, 2, 3; Page 1, Page 2; or 1 of N, 2 of N.
4. Set Start numbering at if the first number should not be 1.
5. Choose a Font size: small, medium or large.
6. Tick Leave the first page unnumbered to keep a cover clean, then press Process PDF and Download result.

Tips for better results

• With the cover left unnumbered, the second page is labelled 2, so the numbering still matches the physical page count.
• Bottom centre is the usual choice for reports; bottom right suits documents that are printed double-sided.
• Merge your files first. Numbering a merged PDF gives one continuous sequence.
• Check a page that already contains a footer. Choose a different position if the new number overlaps existing text.

"1 of N" format

The 1 of N style tells readers how long the document is, which is helpful in legal and compliance papers because a missing page is obvious. N is the total page count of the file you are numbering.

Frequently asked questions

Can I number only some pages?

The tool numbers every page and can skip the first. To number part of a document, extract those pages with the PDF Splitter first.

Will it overwrite existing numbers?

No. It adds new text on top, so remove old numbers in the source first if they would collide.

Is my document uploaded?

No. Everything runs in your browser.

Open the PDF Page Numbering →

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